SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE -- Episode 1869 -- Pictured: (l-r) Maya Rudolph and Kamala Harris during the “Pre-Election” Cold Open on Saturday, November 2, 2024 -- (Photo by: Will Heath/NBC)
With just days remaining before the 2024 presidential election, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live.
The vice president joined her SNL impersonator, Maya Rudolph, in the cold open, delivering a playful message to voters: “Keep calm-ala and carry on-ala.”
The episode began with a mock CNN segment showing candidates courting last-minute voters, including James Austin Johnson’s portrayal of Donald Trump in a meltdown at a campaign rally. Rudolph, as Harris, appeared alongside Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz, Andy Samberg as Doug Emhoff, and Dana Carvey as President Joe Biden.
The sketch turned meta when the real Harris appeared in a mirror reflection, offering a pep talk to Rudolph’s version of herself, saying, “You got this, because you can do something your opponent can’t do: You can open doors.”
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The two Harris figures continued to deliver a harmonious sing-song encouragement: “The American people want to stop the chaos and end the drama-la, with a cool new stepmom-ala, get back in our pajama-las and watch a rom-com-ala, like Legally Blonde-ala, and start decorating for Christmas, fa-la-la-lala.”
“Because what do we always say? Keep calm-ala and carry on-ala,” the duo wrapped up their pep talk before the vice president joined Rudolph to close with the classic SNL line: “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”
Harris has previously praised Rudolph’s impression, noting on The View that she nailed “the suit, the jewelry, the mannerisms.” SNL creator Lorne Michaels had earlier stated that real candidates wouldn’t appear this season due to election laws, but Harris’s surprise cameo broke the norm.
While Trump did not appear on SNL this cycle, he previously hosted on Nov. 7, 2015, amid controversy over his comments about Mexican immigrants.
Other major candidates like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have also made appearances in past election seasons.
The episode was hosted by comedian John Mulaney, with musical guest Chappell Roan. The singer recently faced criticism for refusing to endorse a 2024 candidate but later clarified her support for Harris in a candid TikTok video.
Republicans were quick to cry foul about the appearance, saying it violated the FEC equal time requirement.
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